Wheel of the Infinite

ISBN: 0-380-97335-9 Order from: Amazon.com

An excellent, original fantasy with grand scope, a colorful heroine, good supporting characters and interesting, intricate and mystical magic system.

Reviewed by David on December 06, 2000

Genre: Fantasy (High Fantasy, Mystery)

Synopsis: Join the Adversary and see the worlds! Travel to distant lands, meet exotic people, and kill them!

The intricate and serene Koshan religion emphasises meditation, healing and enlightenment through self-discipline and understanding the Infinite. However, there is a darker aspect to the mystical system: the ferocious image of the Adversary is painted at entrances to frighten away demons. The Adversary's strength is far more than metaphorical: his priests channel his power to uncover and destroy the malefactors, human and magical.

The terrible power can me misused, and eight years ago, Maskelle, a priestess of the powerful and dangerous spirit called the Adversary had committed a deadly crime. Cursed, exiled from the capital of the Celestial Empire, and forbidden the Koshan tamples, the fiery former lady has traveled the provinces, guarding against the small dark powers attracted by her mystical scent; her greatest punishment is her own guilt and complete silence of her divine master.

Now, however, the head of the Koshan religion, the saintly and powerful Celestial One has asked Maskelle to return. What fell omens require the services of a feared and despised former priestess?

Full Review: Wells has written several innovative fantasies, combining hints of common mythology with invented systems of magic. This novel is a worthy example of this style. Her Celestial monks resemble oriental ascetics, and their control over bodily functions and ancestor worship blend into an exotic but harmonious whole. The Infinite has a pleasing, Tao-like balance, and the tempramental nature of the heroine, Maskelle, and her companions and enemies make an interesting contrast.

Perhaps unrealistically, most of the inhabitants of the Imperial City appear influenced by the religion to be reasonable, and corteous. The characters, nevertheless, are not bland, and both the heroine and the surrrounding cast are intriguing, solid, and generally sympathetic. The plot resembles a mystery for most of the book, although the resolution turns away from the conventional mystery towards an epic fantasy.

Although a bit bland at times, this skillfully crafted, intricate fantasy full of humanity and mysticism presents a solid, satisfying, and distinctive reading experience.

Overall: 7; Plot: 6; Characters: 6.5; Style: 7; World-building: 7; Originality: 7;

ISBN: 0-380-97335-9 Order from: Amazon.com